Federal and provincial governments extend housing agreement

The federal and provincial governments today announced an additional combined investment of $78 million over five years to help more individuals and families in need of housing. The funding will be delivered through an extension to the Investment in Affordable Housing agreement.

“Our government is mindful of the importance of its role in helping people obtain access to affordable housing in New Brunswick,” said Premier David Alward. “With this extension, we can continue our progress on the development of safe, affordable and energy-efficient housing for low-income families, non-elderly singles, seniors and persons with disabilities.”

This new agreement extends the original one signed in 2011 until 2019. From April 2011 to September 2013, the agreement helped more than 147,700 households nationally including, through a combined investment of $47 million, almost 4,270 households in New Brunswick.

“Our government believes that partnering with the provinces and territories to invest in affordable housing makes our communities better and our country stronger,” said federal Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt. “This investment will improve the quality of life of low-income Canadians, and will create needed jobs and opportunities for apprentices in communities across our country.”

Valcourt spoke on behalf of the Minister of State for Social Development Candice Bergen.

“Providing affordable housing means people have the ability to gain access to a decent place to live,” said Social Development Minister Madeleine Dubé. “This initiative demonstrates the importance of partnerships between all levels of government, communities and the private sector when increasing the supply of affordable housing available to the people of our province.”

Under the new 2014-19 agreement, the province has the flexibility to design and deliver a range of programs to address local housing needs and priorities. The funds will be used to increase the supply of affordable housing through new construction; improve housing affordability through rental subsidies; improve and preserve existing housing stock occupied by low-income homeowners and rental households; and foster safe and independent living for seniors and persons with disabilities.